To AI or not to AI

Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing sectors across the globe, leading to efficiency, profitability, and innovation. On the one hand, global businesses are quickly embracing AI-driven systems. In marked contrast, most companies and business firms in Pakistan are lagging behind. But with the emergence of world-class open-source AI solutions, Pakistan’s business sector can tap into the latest technology without the burden of costly proprietary offerings. The potential to harness AI for localized, industry-based issues has never been within reach.

The banking industry can benefit significantly from AI-based fraud detection, risk analysis, and automated customer service. Banks can leverage technologies like Deepseek to examine large financial datasets, enhance credit scoring models, and identify real-time suspicious transactions. AI chatbots can also improve customer interactions, offering personalized financial guidance and automating service processes.

AI models can analyze satellite imagery and meteorological data on farms to make crop planting schedules, watering, and insect control more optimal. Pakistani farmers, mainly rural farmers, will gain from anticipatory models to recommend the ideal planting times and fertilizers with minimum wastage and maximum productivity. AI-controlled sensors and automatization in watering systems can even assist in eradicating Pakistan’s water deficit.

In medicine, AI may help bridge disparities in access to medical professionals. Machine learning algorithms may read through patient records, identify disease risks, aid early diagnosis, and suggest treatment. Radiology imaging devices powered by AI may also recognize anomalies with a high success rate, easing dependence on experts in underserved areas. Chatbots and digital assistants can enable telemedicine with preliminary diagnostics and instructions for patients before a medical professional can evaluate them.

The manufacturing industry can enhance productivity through the use of AI-powered predictive maintenance. AI can predict machine breakdowns ahead of time through the analysis of machinery data, reducing repair time and expenses. Computer vision-powered quality control automation can assist factories in achieving higher production levels and minimizing defects, particularly in Pakistan’s textile industry, which competes internationally.